It's why a recent ranking of each new head coach's predicted win total in 2025 will frustrate Bears Nation. Johnson doesn't rank No. 1, or even No. 2. Instead, he ranks third among the new batch of HCs with a projected record of 9-8.

The hype for Johnson, much like it was for Williams last season, is sky high. What's realistic and what would be meaningful in his first season?

Caleb Williams had reservations about joining the Bears as the No. 1 pick in 2024. As it turned out, he had reason. The Bears, who haven't been to the postseason since 2020, fired Matt Eberflus during the season.